News

FG did not approve concession of Enugu Museum land – Prince Ozobu

Published

3 years ago

June 29, 2023

Enugu born Social Crusader Prince Richard Ozobu has waded into the controversies surrounding the alleged concession and parcellation of the land belonging to the National Unity Museum, Enugu.

Ozobu who narrated his efforts to ascertain the true position of the federal government on the matter said he found that those laying claim to the land on guise of concession were merely after their personal gain and on a land grabbing mission.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu he said, “My attention was drawn to the attitude of sole people who recently invaded the Enugu Museum Land under the false guide that the Federal Government gave it to them on concession.

“I, a senior citizen, Social Crusader, as well as anti- corruption critic, an interested party, and as Former Member of Board of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments , of Federal Republic of Nigeria, through my counsel Sir OAU Onyema sort for clarification from the Attorney General of the Federation who incidentally is a principal member of the Board of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) who should be in the know of any Concession of such, and we discovered that his hands weren’t in it.

“The Hon Attorney General of the Federation in his reply to my Pre-action notice (Marked, ‘Without Prejudice’) dated 11th day of January, 2023 with ref : MJ/LIT/ABJ/ICRC/03/2023 subsequently directed the Managing Director of ICRC to furnish me the details of their knowledge of the transaction.

“Consequently, the Director General of ICRC wrote me in à letter and forwarded to me, all that they know about the transaction, wherein they equally Annex an outline of Business Case

compliance certificate addressed to National Commission for Museums and Monuments .

“To my greatest surprise, there was nothing like any Concession Agreement, or any document of agreement for PRIVATE PUBLIC PATNERSHIP, to ensure that what is about to be done, will be well regulated in the best interest of the system.

“The ICRC packaged all that they know about the transaction and sent it to me through my Lawyer.

In the said package, was the bulky unsolicited proposal written by Avaco Construction Nig Ltd to ICRC, for Construction of certain projects at Museum Enugu; and a letter written by ICRC to the DG, National Museum and Monuments called BUSINESS CASE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE.

“There is no such thing as agreement with the Federal Government over the land, and there was no evidence of Concession fee whatsoever. Besides, the law on concession talks about viable

Project and not Land of agencies of government. But, in the instant case the intruders are already parcellating the land for sale.

“These museum land which they are attempting to appropriate by force, are what we planned and reserved for future museum expansion. They have appropriated Zoo land and till date there

is no one created anywhere for our children ; and another bunch of people have come after the Enugu Museum Land. We can’t continue this way, land abound at the out-sketch of the city

calling for city expansion, yet they will not go for such that will actually contribute in developing the State. They only lazily go after bastardization for futuristic arrangements made for those yet unborn. That is unacceptable.

“Indeed, I sued to stop abnormally. We cannot all fold our hand at the full glare of what is wrong. Hence, I called you people the press, to tell you my case, and what I am claiming from the court. As you may know, I went to court on a public interest suit, precisely at Federal High Court Enugu in Suit No: FHC/CS/EN/ 21/ 2023

“I represents the interest of some aggrieved And concerned Citizens of Enugu State, in this issue of appropriation of Enugu Museum Land, and I have my address as No. 19 Ezilo Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria.

“When I was inundated with phone calls and visits from concerned Citizens of Enugu State about the surreptitious plan to appropriate the Enugu Museum land by one AVACO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY NIG LTD, I reached out to the DG of Museums personally, but out of arrogance and ignorance of the position of things, he did not allow himself to make any reasoning out of my complaint.

“I informed him that the Enugu Museum Land has been preserved for Generational advancement of the Enugu Museum; and that he should not attempt to sell it, but he wouldn’t listen.

“I then briefed Chief Sir OAU Onyema of OAU Onyema & Co, Akpaagu law House of No. 87 Upper Presidential Road, Independence Layout Enugu, to issue the need Statutory Pre- Action Notices to All those concerned in the

exercise which was shrouded in secrecy, because of the clandestine Motive.

“It was later discovered that AVACO CONSTRUCTION NIG LTD ( the 6th defendant in the suit) who claim to be the major beneficiary of the unwholesome exercise does not have any physical address on ground till date, where they can be located, against the provisions of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). We went to the address he wrote on his sign post on two occasions, and could not see any sign of him. The Chief Bailiff of the Federal High court equally experienced this.

“Those that were sued as defendants in this matter are: 1. National Commission for Museums and Monuments (As represented by the Director General, Chairman Governing Board,and Curator, Enugu Museum) 2. Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC)

(As represented by the Director General,

and Chairman, Governing Board, ICRC)

3. Prof. Abba Isa Tijani

4. Mr Duru Aloysius

5. Mr Michael Ohiani

6. Avaco Construction & Logistics Ltd

(As represented by the Managing Director / CEO)

17. They have all been served the court processes except the Curator Museum Enugu, and the

Managing Director of Avaco Construction Nig Ltd, who have been dogging the Court

bailiff. Same will be reported to the court accordingly.

“My PRE-ACTION NOTICE, simply REQUESTED FOR CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED AND SPECULATED ILLEGAL APPROPRIATION OF MUSEUM LAND, ENUGU, CAMOUFLAGED WITH A DECOY PROJECT, yet I was not given any satisfactory answer; instead the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendant smartly evaded divulging the needed information to me- the plaintiff.

“In their reply to my pre-action Notice, the 1st defendant was rather asking me

to pay them the sum of two hundred thousand naira only (N200,000) for any

document I want, without being specific whether the money is for the documents clearly demanded by me or not.

“That the 1st , 3rd and 4th defendants outlined in paragraph 16 above, did not also

provide any account where the said N200,000 will be paid into, hence tactically evaded providing the information legitimately sought for by me, hence culminating in this suit. Copy of the letter dated 21st December, 2022 with Ref: LS / VOL. 1/ 002 from the 1st defendant my counsel- Sir Onyema, is available.

“Till date, the defendants have refused to furnish me the information I needed about the questionable transaction, against the provisions of the Freedom of information Act 2015. I maintain that the defendants are illegally planning to alienate the landed property belonging to the Museum (1st defendant), at Ogui junction Enugu,

Enugu State, completely against the law on Museum Land / Property and International treaty, in that regard.

“I maintain that the transaction configured by the defendants was to favour themselves particularly 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants and their cronies. It is illicit in nature, meant to enrich themselves, and not in the interest of the Enugu Museum under the direct control of the 1st defendant, the Public or the society.

“I also state that the transaction is camouflaged with the unsubstantiated projects listed vis: – Cultural Garden, Storage & Workshop, Craft Village, Museum Kitchen, Event Hall, Museum Kitchen, Event Hall, Audio Visual & Photo Workshop, Lecture Theater and MUSEUM Guest House.

“Much as the enumerated projects sounds and seems good; the information available to us , is that they are rather a TROJAN GIFT, which is unspecific and unstandardized, compared to the Museum land worth billions, the project is serving as the decoy, to deceive the people, for its illegal appropriation by the conspiracy of the 3rd – 6

the defendants.

“The defendants are challenged to produce the Bill of quantities (if any) for the construction of the projects mentioned, to prove that indeed, there is an intention to truly create them. We have not seen any Bill of quantity for the proposed projects below:

a. Cultural Garden,

b. Storage & Workshop,

c. Craft Village,

d. Museum Kitchen,

e. Event Hall,

f. Museum Kitchen,

g. Event Hall,

h. Audio Visual & Photo Workshop,

i. Lecture Theater and

j. MUSEUM Guest House.

“There is no single consultant to our knowledge appointed to supervise, account and ensure that the projects mentioned above will truly be

constructed. The defendants are challenged to produce the Documents of the appointment of such consultant; inclusive of his terms and conditions, and evidence of regularity of his appointment. See their Sign- Board advertising

the purported project, pleaded above.

“The only interest of the 3rd , 4th, 5th, and 6th defendants is to clandestinely appropriate, and alienate the Museum – being the 1

st defendant’s Land at Ogui junction, Enugu, and make money for themselves, against the interest of the Museum (1st defendant) and the posterity.

“Consequently, they have parcellated the Museum Land at Ogui Junction Enugu into Plot Sizes, named it M.O.K. Museum Estate, and at another place named it or Zoo Estate Phase 2, with intendment to sell it to themselves and their cronies, and enrich themselves, even without constructing any signs of the projects they promised as TROJAN GIFT as contained in paragraphs 14 above; completely against public interest. Copy of the Survey Plan of the said MOK Museum Estate (being the 1st defendant’s land) as drawn by the defendants, for easy

alienation was pleaded in court.

“That going by the conspiracy of the 3

rd , 4th, 5th, and 6th defendants, while

cloaking themselves under the canopy of the 1st and 2nd defendants, the government / public land of the Enugu Museum (1st defendant) will be

alienated by the conspiracy of the 3rd , 4th, 5th, and 6th defendants to solely enrich themselves, without considering the welfare of the people or even the staff of the organization, and also without constructing what they promise to construct, all against public interest.

“We have it on good authority that the money said to have been paid by the concessionee (the 6th defendant) for the purpose of harnessing the Land of Enugu Museum at Ogui Road measuring almost 10 hectares, was not paid. The defendants are challenged to produce (if they exist) the REMITAL GENERATED-CODES, and RECEIPTS for the payment into the Federal Government TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT (TRS) to show that the public was paid, commensurately. Till date they are still running around.

“The 3rd , 4th , 5th , and 6th defendants does not have the interest of the 1st and 2nd defendants at heart, against general public interest, in the configuration of this transaction, hence shrouding everything under it in secrecy, without any element of transparency or due process. The defendants are challenged to produce before this court, the DOCUMENTS OF CONCESSION executed by the parties, wherein the Landed –property of the Enugu Museum at Ogui junction, was concessioned to the 6th defendant for the said 25 years and renewable as they speculated.

“That the action of the 1st , 3rd and 4th defendants in the transaction in issue, is

ultra-vires, as they did not have the public interest at heart, in conceding or authorizing the alienation of the 1st defendant land (Museum Land) at Ogui

Junction Enugu, without proper documentation, and agreement to protect both the organization and the public, against the provisions of National

Commission for Museums and Monuments Act 2004.

“I, in the most respectful and polite manner demanded in my Pre-action Notice to the defendants, as an interested party, and with regards to Freedom of Information Act, copies of the following at my cost, yet these documents were tactically denied: i. Any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that brought about this project. ii. Copies of the Award letters regarding the natures, particulars and specifications of these projects to be undertaken by AVACO CONSTRUCTION & LOGISTICS LTD (6th defendant), as they displayed. iii. Any document showing who will fund these projects, and the consideration for such financial investment.

iv. Evidence of ownership and management of the projects after construction. v. If it is a Federal Government project, – evidence of such, and where it was captured in the budget. vi. A specific answer to us, specifying whether any portion of the museum land, Enugu will be alienated or conceded under any guise, in respect of these projects, and to whom.

“When the 1st , 3rd and 4th defendants remained recalcitrant in acceding to my request, I got my counsel (Chief Sir OAU Onyema) to issue pre-action Notices on this subject matter, with Ref: OAU/AKP.CH/2022/VOL.A/00105 dated 14th December, 2022 to the Chairman of Governing Board and Members of the Infrastructure,

Concession, Regulatory Commission (ICRC) being the 5th defendant, as well as his members being The Attorney General of the Federation, Governor of Central Bank, Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Honorable

Minister of Finance. Copies of the Pre-action Notice with Ref: OAU/AKP.CH/2022/VOL.A/00105 dated 14th December, 2022 are available.

Till date outside the DG of ICRC, and DG Museum, I have not seen any member of their Boards that is already aware of the transaction.

“My people, unless and until this court intervenes to get thing straight, the ill conduct of the defendants will lead to a gross shortchanging of the public.

” These people have already started advertising the Enugu Museum land for sales in the internet, and several Estate WhatsApp Groups, for the sum of N100,000,000 for 1,000Square Meters for individuals who wants to buy and build their residential houses; even when no single move has been made about the Projects mentioned that they will build for Museum and manage. Into

whose pocket will these hundreds of Millions be paid into, and as what. This is pure daylight robbery to the system and to the general public.

“The appropriation of the Enugu Museum land as they are doing is irregular, unconscionable, criminal, unwholesome, an exploitation of public property, hence liable to be revoked by the Court.

38.Surely, we are bring-up petition to the Inspector General of Police for a thorough investigation of the criminal aspect of the claim of Avaco

Construction Nig. Ltd that he was given the land on concession, by who , how, and with which Federal Executive Council’s approval.

“I am aware that concession is only for viable projects and not for land, so everywhere these land grabbers have acquired state or federal government land in the name that it was conceded to them is a fallacy. A simply mischief to

confuse and hoodwinked the unsuspecting public. We will make sure we cancel all of such.

“With our Pre-Action Notices, warned all concerned particularly the said AVACO CONSTRUCTION & LOGISTICS LTD to stay action in entering the land but he wouldn’t listen. He choose to be spending his money- probably

it wasn’t hard earned.

They cannot deceive the society with trojan gifts, which the actual intention

to steal and sell land belonging to our Enugu Museum. They are hurriedly destroying all MUSEUM buildings except one main complex, so as to claim expansive land. Go there and see costly beautiful artifacts littered everywhere along the museum road under the harsh weather, because some desperate fellows wanted to grab land.

“If you see those exposed and littered artifacts, you will shed tears for this wicked generation. Fly on the air, you will see bushes and forests everywhere; but these elements will not think of developing the nation or expanding the

city. Their only thought is on how to grab and appropriate reserved areas meant for specific future developmental purposes. If those before them had done that way, will this city accommodate them now? What a useless

desperation.

“What they are doing is totally wrong, lawless and not backed by any law. Their claims are watery, and cannot be substantiated in any manner of genuine at all. We will also invoke the attention of the President and Commander in

Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to this. He appointed me at one time to see to the goods of the Museums, and I cannot in my lifetime witness brazen bastardization of our genuine and created future plans for Museums.

“What they are doing has been reported to the court as being against the Provisions of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission

(Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005 as amended 2018, and the ICRC- Public Private Partnership Regulations, 2014, as well as the Public Private

Partnership(PPP) Guidelines and Processes, for concession.

“The main principle and intendment of Concession, as construed by the enabling Act, is to finance, Build / construct, modify, operate, make viable and profitable, and reap profit therein by the concessionaire; and later transfer back to the organization after a certain period, hence generating funds from concessionaire’s input; and not to acquire authority for Leasing or alienating undeveloped portions of land of the agency to enrich private pockets.

“How much have these people paid into the Federal Government TREASURY, to be authorized to sell our Museum land and pocket the proceeds. This is pure corruption, and an anti-corruption agency will be brought in to investigate this. They should just get ready to answer; wherever we call them. They should

not worry, if their hands are clean.

“Hence, in their acts henceforth, they should know that they cannot cut corner as planned, what is going on at Enugu Museum Land now, must be

scrutinized. They must be genuine, to build all those Projects; and it is from that they can make their profit. THEY CANNOT SELL A SINGLE LAND, they have no such powers. Anyone BUYING is doing so at his own

peril.

“While we are in court with these people to dispense with the CIVIL aspect of

our claim, all CRIMINAL CONNOTATIONS in the transaction will be addressed accordingly. Our intelligence is that they had been struggling since

our Pre-action Notice to fire and back-date REMITA CODE and concoct documents. We are waiting to see such a document, so that we hand it over to the Police for investigation and scrutiny, and anyone whose hand is in such forgery, will go in for it.

“Let me ask you the Press, gentlemen, Is the Land of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Enugu and infrastructure? I advise them to refer to Part 1, Sec 1 (1) (2) and 2 (1) of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005 as amended 2018, for them to understand what an infrastructure that can be concessioned should be. I was shouting that the purported concession of Land of Enugu Museum, or part thereof, by these people, is ILLEGAL, NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT; as only Projects may be qualified for Concession, and not Land. But, there is not agreement of Concession at all. Mere approval of a proposal for evaluation by the ICRC is not concession.

“That to my knowledge, there is no Federal Executive Council’s approval to the projects mentioned under this concession contrary to the provisions of Part 1, Sec 2 (2) of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005 as amended 2018, hence the Concession. ( if any) is ILLEGAL, NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT; as only

Projects may be qualified for Concession. These and many more we are praying for the Court to determine in our favour.

“We labored to build and maintain Standard of the Enugu Museum as it is today, on the authority of the then President and Commander in Chief of

armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as a former Board member, and will like this Temple of justice to adjudicate on this, and make the necessary declarations and orders to remedy the situation, in the interest of justice for

all.

“Based on the foregoing, What I am claiming against these people ( the defendants) in my suit at Federal High Court are as follows;-

i. A declaration of this hounourable court to the effect that the modus operandi of concessioning the Landed Property of the 1st defendant by the

actions of the 2nd – 6 the defendants is against the Provisions of Infrastructure

Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005

as amended 2018, and the ICRC- Public Private Partnership Regulations, 2014, as well as the Public Private Partnership(PPP) Guidelines and

Processes, for concession.

“A declaration of this honourable court to the effect that the Concession which brought about the alienation of the 1st defendant’s landed properties, for appropriation to individuals to build their residential Estates under any

guise whatsoever, is unconscionable, Mala-fide, unwholesome and an exploitation of public property against public interest, hence liable to be

revoked by this honourable Court.

” A declaration of this honourable court to the effect that the Concession which brought about the alienation of the 1st defendant’s landed properties, for appropriation to individuals to build their residential Estates under any guise whatsoever, is against the provisions of the Governing legal instrument /law establishing the 1st defendant in Nigeria being the National

Commission for Museums and Monuments Act 2004, and other enabling international Treaty on Museum Lands, hence liable to be revoked by this

honourable court.

“A declaration of this honourable court that the Concession agreement as composed and constituted is unconscionable, and against public interests and should be declared NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT.

“A declaration of this honourable court that the 1st defendant’s land is inappropriable and inalienable to individuals under any guise; hence any appropriation or alienation of such is illegal, unlawful, null and void, and of No effect, and cannot confer any valid title to any purported beneficiary.

“A declaration of court that Land survey parcellation of the property of the 1st defendant in its Enugu State Headquarters Ogui Junction, called M.O.K. Museum Estate or Zoo Estate Phase 2 or any name called, by Surveyors and land speculators, with the intendment to create a living home (Except museum staff quarters, only allocate-able to substantive staff of the Enugu State Museum) as expressed in Survey plan no: 2022 dated 6/25/2022, or any other like Survey plan, as it stands is unconscionable, Mala-fide, unwholesome, and against public interest,

hence NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT.

“A declaration of court that any transaction, bringing about the exchange of a kobo or naira, for the purposes of acquisition of any portion of land

within the known compound of the 1st defendant at its Enugu Headquarters, by anybody or organization, under any guise, as it stands, is illegal, unlawful, null and void and of No effect.

” A declaration of court that only valid payments made in giving effect to the terms of any valid Concession agreement by the Concessionaire, to the Single Treasury Account of the Federal Government, is deemed correct;

and any other payment made by anyone, especially the 6th defendant with the intention of acquiring any interest in the landed property located within the headquarters of the 1st defendant in Enugu, is NULL and VOID.

“A declaration of this honourable court that the main principle and intendment of Concession, as construed by the enabling Act, is to Build,

modify, operate, make viable and profitable, and reap profit therein by the concessionaire; and later transfer back to the organization after a certain

period, hence generating fund from concessionee’s input; and not to acquire authority for Leasing or alienating undeveloped portions of land of the agency to enrich itself, without caring for the standard or viability, management or maintenance of or building of the 1st defendant properties as concessioned.

” A declaration of this honourable court that it is only when the purported Concessionee (the 6th defendant) finishes constructing Museum Cultural

Garden, Museum Storage & Workshop, Museum Craft Village, Museum Kitchen, Museum Event Hall, Museum Audio Visual & Photo Workshop,

Museum Lecture Theater and MUSEUM Guest House, as contained in the purported Concession agreement, that operation of same can be

Concessioned; and not by leasing of Leasing of the 1st defendants land for it to be sub-lease; hence any sublease made by the 6th defendant is illegal, null and void, and of no effect.

“A declaration of court that it is suspicious and illegal for the defendants, particularly the 1st and 3rd defendants to indirectly refuse to issue a copy of the said concession agreement to the plaintiff who applied for same, for him to consummate and allay the fears of the public about the appropriation of the 1st defendant’s land.

“An Order of court revoking in entirety, and declaring NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT, the Concession agreement made by the 1st – 5th Defendants in favour of the 6th defendant, for not being in compliance with the intendment of Concession.xiii. A declaration of this honourable Court that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Enugu Land, is not an infrastructure, within the intendment of Part 1, Sec 1 (1) (2) and 2 (1) of the Infrastructure

Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005 as amended 2018, hence the purported concession of it, or part thereof, under any guise by the defendants, is ILLEGAL, NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT; as only Projects may be qualified for Concession.

“A declaration that there is no Federal Executive Council’s approval to the projects mentioned under this concession contrary to the provisions of Part 1, Sec 2 (2) of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment ) Act no. 18 of 2005 as amended 2018, hence the Concession is ILLEGAL, NULL AND VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT; as only Projects may be qualified for Concession. xv. An order of this court Commanding the 2nd – 6 th defendants jointly and

severally (particularly the 6th defendant) not to merge any portion of the 1st defendants land, with any adjoining land not originally belonging to the

first defendant, and to immediately restore any demarcating wall, either partially or completely destroyed by the 6th defendants caterpillar to its

previous normal condition, within 14days of service of this order.

” A perpetual Injunction restraining the defendants particularly the 2nd – 6th defendants their agents or privies, or anyone claiming to have acquired title from them, from building or allowing the building of any residential home, or service apartment, in any portion of the first defendant’s headquarters at Enugu, except as clearly specified in a valid Concession agreement, or for the direct promotion of the welfare of the staff of the 1st defendant in Enugu State with Staff Quarters, and their occupation thereof; and not

otherwise.

“An order of this Honourable Court commanding any subsisting authority, leadership / Chief Executive of the 1st and 2nd defendants at any point in time as concerned, to forthwith recover possession of all portions of the 1st defendants land, alienated or sub-leased by the Concessionaire, either by using earth moving machines / Caterpillars to demolish any illegal

structure therein, or by vacating any occupant therein and assigning such structure for direct Museum use, or in any manner that it deems fit ( based on the principle of qic quid…), and file a clear and satisfactory evidence of such before this court, within 30 days of service of this court order.

“An order of this honourable court awarding a General damages of N10,000,000 (Ten Million naira only) in favour of the Plaintiff, against the

defendants jointly and severally, for the discomfiture occasioned by their unwholesome conduct, and appurtenant expenses insured by the Plaintiff. An order of this Honourable court awarding a 25% Compound interest per annum, on any judgment sum, until the entire judgment sum is liquidated, and evidence of the same filed and served before this court.

“The good thing is that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission

and its Director General who appears in this matter as the 2nd and 5thDefendants has already filed their Statement of defence and noted that they did not Concession the Enugu Museum land to anybody or any company.

“Let us then cross our hands and see the other peoples defence, and let all concerned , be calm. The youths should not take the laws into their hands, and the Labour organization’s should not demonstrate. Let fraying nerves be calm, as we have placed our card before the Temple of justice.”

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

Published

21 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

News

Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

News

Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners

Published

5 days ago

May 5, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”